JOY JOYFUL JOYOUS

Joy Is A Command I Thessalonians 5:16 “Be joyful always.”

Joy Springs From Promise Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope.”

Joy Is An Encouragement Nehemiah 8:10 “The joy of the L ORD is our strength.”

Joy is a Gift From Our Family In Christ I Thessalonians 3:9 “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you.”

Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit Joy happens on purpose. Joy is cultivated with practice, prayer and pruning Joy grows from trust that God will do what He promised.

When You Think Of What Joy Looks Like - What Do You Think Of?

What Gives You Joy?

What Do You Celebrate?

Isaiah 44:21-23 “Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. Sing for joy, O heavens, for the L ORD has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the L ORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel.”

Leviticus 9:23-24 “Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the L ORD appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the L ORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the alter. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell face down.”

The Work of God is the Reason for Our Joy

Hebrews 7:23-25 “Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

Jesus - Our High Priest Always Goes to God on Our Behalf Because: He loves you. I John 3:16 He never gets tired. Isaiah 40:28 He never dies. Hebrews 7:23-25

What Did Israel Celebrate? Annually: God’s deliverance in the Passover and Exodus from Egypt Pentecost (Harvest ) – God’s provision Booths – God’s leading Israel from the wilderness to the promised land Atonement – The forgiveness of sin Every 50 years: Year of Jubilee – a year of celebration

What Do We Celebrate? The Lord’s atoning sacrifice and coming return Our redemption in Christ (forgiveness, salvation) Our life in His family, led by His Spirit

Celebrating What God Has Done Psalm 47 Clap your hands all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the L ORD Most High, the Great King over all the earth! He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the Pride of Jacob whom he loved.

Psalm 47 (cont) God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the L ORD amid the sounds of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King. Sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.

Isaiah 55:12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Psalm 149:1-5 Praise the L ORD. Sing to the L ORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the L ORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.

What Did Joy Look Like in These Scriptures? Clap your Hands Shout to God Cries of Joy Shouts of Joy Sing Praises Burst into Song Sing a New Song Praise His Name with Dancing Sound of Trumpets Sing for Joy Rejoice

Rejoice in the Lord Always Philippians 4:4-8: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

Joy Is Not Always Easy James 1:2-3 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.” When you think of trials, what do you think of?

How Do I Cultivate Joy?

So in Conclusion Celebrate God’s work in our lives! Rejoice in the Lord! Be joyful always Be joyful in hope